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The route for this summer's Ride the Rockies bicycling tour cover 442 miles and includes climbs over five Colorado mountain passes and through two national parks.
The 27th annual ride also includes a King of the Mountain stage sponsored by the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.
"This year we wanted to combine six iconic rides into one rare and beautiful week of cycling," said tour director Chandler Smith. "Whether it's from Carbondale to Leadville over Independence Pass or Granby to Estes Park over Trail Ridge Road, each day is worthwhile all by itself. Together, they make for one wild ride."
The ride starts in Gunnison on June 10. The daily rides are:
June 10: Gunnison to Hotchkiss, 79 miles, includes rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, 8,311 feet
June 11: Hotchkiss to Carbondale, 68 miles, includes McClure Pass, 8,755 feet
June 12: Carbondale to Leadville, 85 miles, includes Independence Pass, 12,095 feet
June 13: Leadville to Granby, 92 miles, includes Fremont Pass, 11,318 feet, and Ute Pass, 9,165 feet
(Century Option: 106 miles, includes Williams Fork Reservoir)
June 14: Granby to Estes Park, 63 miles, includes Trail Ridge Road, 12,183 feet, and Milner Pass, 10,758 feet
June 15: Estes Park to Ft. Collins, 55 miles, includes Horsetooth Reservoir, 5,420 feet
The 6- to 7-day bicycle tour is open to 2,000 cyclists of all ages. Cyclists are encouraged to ride at their own pace. The ride is supported by volunteers all the way, and proceeds are donated to Colorado nonprofits.
"There's no better way to experience the beauty of our state and the friendliness of our communities than by riding your bike. And there's no better cycling tour than Ride The Rockies," said Nathan Christian, Wells Fargo Colorado regional president.
Register at www.ridetherockies.com beginning Sunday. The deadline is Feb. 24.
Training information is available online at ridetherockies.com.
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